Sacramento, CA – Today, Assemblymember Norma Torres (D-61) announced the approval of her Assembly Bill 665 by the Senate Public Safety Committee, which will create a higher penalty for repeat offenders of an individual’s right to privacy.
Currently, many “peeping toms” are not deterred by current penalties. Often they can make considerable profit selling images to internet sites. Assembly Bill 665 will allow law enforcement to lock up repeat offenders for up to one year in jail, impose a fine of up to $2,000, or both. The bill also requires a higher penalty for any violation where the victim is a minor.
“I introduced AB 665 because the City of Chino Police Department reported a case where a man has repeatedly been caught using video cameras and/or cell phones to secretly film under women’s skirts as they shop. No matter how many times the man has been arrested he continues to re-offend. Is imperative that we do everything we can to protect everyone’s right to privacy,” said Torres.
“Invasion of privacy is a serious crime that can leave victims with severe emotional scars that range from embarrassment and anger to a deep sense of loss of safety and comfort while in public areas,” said Torres.
People can fall prey in everyday public places, including shopping malls, department store dressing rooms and public bathrooms. Even worse, with today’s technology, images of victims can easily be posted and distributed instantly on the internet.
Contact: Catalina Martinez (916) 319-2710
